01/29/2026
Helpful winter tips for keeping your family and community safe.
-Heating
*Always check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly. Batteries should be changed when the time changes (2x yearly). Also, Ensure your detectors are in date. All detectors will have a date, Typically on the label located on the bottom, in which they are no longer as effective at detecting hazards. If the detector is out of date, replace it as soon as possible!
*Always follow manufacturer instructions when using ANY heat source.
*Keep heat sources as far as possible from flammable objects, pets, and children and on a sturdy non-flammable surface.
*Never operate a generator indoors. Outdoors is the safest place to keep a generator, and keep them far away from windows or doors to decrease the chances of carbon monoxide from entering your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas emitted primarily from incomplete combustion when using flame or engine based items. All generators should not be attached to your home's main power distribution panel unless done so by a qualified electrician. Safety interlocks or transfer switches should be installed to ensure your generator does not back feed power into electrical lines as this puts power company personnel in danger when they are repairing lines or could cause damage to your generator.
*Never use a stove or oven to heat your home, as they are not designed for continuous operation.
*Know where your fire extinguisher is located and have a plan for your family in the case of fire. Remember PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the trigger, Sweep at the base of the fire. If the fire does not extinguish or the fire is larger than a typical garbage can fire, evacuate your home and call emergency services. Once out of the home, Do not re-enter for any reason. Remember that items are replaceable, but your life is not.
*Always plug electric heaters into your home's outlet. Never use extension cords, splitters, or power strips. Most power extending or splitting products are not rated to handle the 1500+ watts that a heater requires and may cause a fire.
*If using a fireplace or natural gas powered heaters, Be sure it is well maintained and free from blockage by having it serviced by qualified personnel regularly.
-Power
*Before any major winter weather event or times of extreme cold, Ensure all your portable devices are charged. We recommend having a power bank for your phone for those "just in case" scenarios.
*Have a flashlight, lantern, or candles in every room where people reside, along with spare batteries. Use caution with candles. Never use a candle that is very low (1" of wax remaining in jar candles) as the bottom can get very hot and always extinguish candles when leaving home or after you have finished using it for light.
*Generators: See the heating section above (and manufacturer instructions) for safe operating instructions.
*LED lighting is best to use as it consumes a significantly less amount of power.
-Pets and Livestock
*Keep pets inside and Livestock protected. Temperatures this cold could cause hypothermia in most any pets or livestock. Understand the signs of hypothermia in animals. Guides are abundantly available by searching on Google.
-Community
*Check on elderly or less fortunate family and neighbors. A little kindness and a quick call/knock on the door CAN save a life!
*Warming shelters may be available in your area. If you are not sure, Please call your local 911/Emergency Management center's **non-emergency** number for more information.
-Dress for the occasion
*Dress in warm, dry layers. Layered clothing is better at retaining body heat and keeping the cold out than a single thick layer. Keep dry. If your clothing becomes wet, change into drier clothes immediately.
Can YOU think of more helpful and life saving tips for battling the severe cold? If so, we'd love for you to share with us and the community. Comment below and let us know how you manage to stay warm and safe!
